Hybrid tillage implement for vertical tillage and aeration of soil with deposit of soil additive

ABSTRACT

An agricultural tillage implement has a vertical tillage section and an aerating section behind the vertical tillage section, each extending substantially perpendicular to the pull direction of the implement. Individual vertical tillage elements, such as disc blades, can be indexed with individual rotary tine assemblies of the aerator section so that discrete holes formed by the aerator section are positioned between substantially continuous slits formed by the vertical tillage section. A ground deposit system deposits a component on the ground and may be configured for conducting and depositing a granular component, such as seeds, fertilizers, minerals or the like, or liquid components, such as liquid manure.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention is a divisional non-provisional utility patentapplication which is based on and takes priority from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/407,708, filed Jan. 17, 20187, entitled “HYBRIDTILLAGE IMPLEMENT FOR VERTICAL TILLAGE AND AERATION OF SOIL WITH DEPOSITOF SOIL ADDITIVE,” which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to agricultural implements, and, moreparticularly, to agricultural field tillage seeding and fertilizingimplements. Still more particularly the invention pertains to tillageimplements that combine multiple tilling operations in a single unit,including vertical tillage and aerating with a fertilizing or seeding.

2. Description of the Related Art

Farmers utilize a wide variety of tillage implements to prepare soil forplanting. Common tilling operations include plowing, harrowing andsub-soiling, which are performed by pulling a tillage implement behind amotorized tractor. A farmer may need to perform several tillingoperations at different times over a crop cycle to properly cultivatethe ground to suit the crop choice and soil conditions. Some suchimplements include two or more sections coupled together to performmultiple functions as the implement is pulled through the field. Forexample, a cultivator/harrow is capable of simultaneously tilling andleveling the soil in preparation for planting. This implement includes acultivator that is towed by a tractor and a harrow that is towed by thecultivator.

In one type of tilling operation, vertical tillage, rows or gangs ofcircular disc blades are pulled through the soil at variable depths tobreak up clods or lumps of soil, as well as old plant material toprovide a more amenable soil structure for planting and to level thesoil surface. The gangs of discs are arranged on frames that extendgenerally laterally with respect to the direction of movement through afield and more particularly are angled with respect to the direction ofmovement. It is known to angle a first set outward and a following setinwardly so that soil moved outwardly by the first set is returnedinwardly by the following set.

While the use in a tilling operation of multiple angled gangs of discswith relatively sharp edges has been effective particularly for cuttingplant residue, it is not without problems. An increased gang angle canleave large clods of soil that may require multiple passes to pulverize.The side pressure of the soil against the sides of flat or shallow discscan break the discs. Increasing the concavity of the discs to improvetheir strength promotes the formation of an undesirable compactionlayer. Multiple passes of the tillage implement over the same area ofsoil may be required to properly cultivate the soil and cut throughheavy crop residue. If multiple passes are required, the farmer incursincreased costs associated with the amount of time and fuel required toprepare the seedbed. The discs being angled relative to the traveldirection of the implement can establish greater resistance, requiringmore power for the tilling operation.

The use of cultivators also can be problematic. Cultivators can compactthe soil under the prepared seedbed. A layer of compacted soil inhibitsplant germination, root growth, and crop yield. The presence of acompacted layer of soil may require an additional tillage operation suchas plowing to break up the compacted earth in order to avoid theproblems of poor water absorption and weak anchoring of crops in theground.

Decompaction and aeration are used sometimes in pasture lands or fieldsafter harvesting forage or cereals to increase the level of oxygenabsorbed by the soil to increase crop growth. It is not always necessaryto significantly disturb the soil, just open the soil to allow betterpenetration of air, water and added nutrients. Accordingly, it issometimes desirable to condition and improve the soil withoutsubstantially disturbing the soil.

Thus, there is a need for a tillage implement that is capable of cuttingplant residue effectively and tilling the soil in a single pass withoutexcessively disturbing the soil.

It is necessary to till also when performing certain seeding and/orfertilizing operations. For example, it is sometimes necessary to do atleast limited soil preparation when over seeding pastureland, or whenplanting a cover crop to protect the ground over winter or anotherfallow season, after harvesting, possibly in the fall, and before thenext crop planting, such as in the spring. Planting a cover cropprotects the ground from erosion and can add vital nutrients to the soilwhen the cover crop is tilled into the soil before the next planting. Itis advantageous to combine soil preparation and seeding to save time,expense and fuel costs.

Many farming operations now include the use of liquid manure handlingsystems in which animal waste is stored and periodically added to fieldsfor disposal, with the added benefit of fertilization. To preventundesirable runoff and potential surface water contamination, under someregulations, it is necessary to perform at least a limited tillingoperation to open the soil surface and allow more immediate and morerapid absorption of the liquid manure into the field.

Thus, there is a need for tillage implement that provides at least somelimited tilling easily and efficiently together with another operation,such as seeding or manure spreading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tillage implement having discs orientedperpendicular to or at a shallow angle to perpendicular followed byrotary aerator tines to break soil and plant material, and improve soiloxygenation with minimal soil disruption. The soil addition is combinedwith the aeration step by including distribution devices immediatelyfollowing the rotary aerator tines with a connection to a source of thesoil additive

In one form, the hybrid tillage implement provides a main frameincluding a pull hitch extending in a travel direction; a verticaltillage section carried by the frame and extending generally laterallywith respect to the travel direction; and an aerating section carried bythe frame behind the vertical tillage section, the aerating sectionextending generally laterally with respect to the travel direction. Theaerating section includes individual tines to create discrete holes inground being tilled. A ground deposit system is connected to the frameand includes a supply for a component to be deposited in the ground, adistribution network connected to the supply for distributing thecomponent and outlets from the distribution network for expelling thecomponent to the ground.

In another form, the hybrid tillage implement is provided with a mainframe including a pull hitch extending in a travel direction; a row ofdisc blades carried by the frame and extending generally laterally tothe travel direction, and a row of rotary tine assemblies carried by theframe behind the row of disc blades and extending generally laterally tothe travel direction. The row of rotary tine assemblies includesindividual tines to create discrete holes in the ground being tilled. Aground deposit system is connected to the frame and includes a supplyfor a component to be deposited in the ground, a distribution networkconnected to the supply for distributing the component within thetillage implement, and outlets from the distribution network forexpelling the component to the ground behind the row of rotary tineassemblies.

In still another form, the hybrid tillage implement is provided with amain frame including a pull hitch extending in a travel direction; a rowof disc blades carried by the main frame in a disc blade left row and adisc blade right row extending generally laterally to the traveldirection and substantially symmetric about a centerline of theimplement; and a row of rotary tine assemblies carried by the main framein a tine assembly left row behind the disc blade left row and a tineassembly right row behind the disc blade right row. The tine assemblyleft row and the tine assembly right row extend generally laterally tothe travel direction and substantially symmetric about the centerline ofthe implement. A ground deposit system connected to the frame includes asupply for a component to be deposited on the ground, a distributionnetwork connected to the supply for distributing the component withinthe tillage implement, and outlets from the distribution network forexpelling the component to the ground behind the rotary tine assemblies.

An advantage of the hybrid tillage implement disclosed herein is thatthe soil can be conditioned without being substantially disturbed,including the injection of liquid manure or the deposit of granularcomponents, such as seeds, granular fertilizers, other soil amendmentsand the like.

Another advantage of one form of the hybrid tillage implement is thatefficient and effective liquid manure injection is provided whilelimiting surface runoff and promoting absorption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hybrid tillage implement;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the hybrid tillage implement shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the hybrid tillage implement;

FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment for a hybrid tillageimplement;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the hybrid tillage implement shownin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment for a hybrid tillageimplement; and

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the hybrid tillage implement shownin FIG. 6.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates one embodiment of the invention and such exemplification isnot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a tillage implement 10 is shown. An agriculturalvehicle (not shown) pulls the tillage implement 10 in a travel directionA. The tillage implement 10 of the exemplary embodiment shown includes avertical tillage section 12 at the front thereof, an aerating section 14following behind vertical tillage section 12 and a soil conditioningsection 16 behind aerating section 14. Vertical tillage section 12,aerating section 14 and soil conditioning section 16 are generallysymmetrically arranged about a centerline 18 of implement 10. Verticaltillage section 12 is provided for generally breaking large clumps orclods of dirt and plant material, cutting or breaking plant residue suchas stalks, stems or large leaves and cutting generally continuous slitsin the soil surface. Aerating section 14 is provided for creatingdiscrete spaced openings in the soil between the slits created by thevertical tillage section. Soil conditioning section 16 smoothens andevens the soil surface while providing additional crumbling or breakingof clumps or conglomerated soil or plant matter. In some applicationsand uses, implement 10 may include only vertical tillage section 12,with one or two gangs of discs, and aerating section 14.

Referring now additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, implement 10 includes amain frame 100 having a hitch 102 on the front end that may be used toconnect the tillage implement 10 to an agricultural vehicle, such as atractor. Vertical tillage section 12, aerating section 14 and finishingsection 16 are connected to and carried by mainframe 100. A set ofwheels 104 is connected to main frame 100 and oriented in a directionthat is in general alignment with the travel direction A. The set ofwheels 104 includes center wheels 106 and pivoting wheels 108. Centerwheels 106 are attached across the main frame 100 at positions, forexample, roughly midway between the front and rear ends of the mainframe 100. The center wheels 106 may include a system 109 for adjustingthe distance between the main frame 100 the center wheels 106. Thesystem 109 for adjusting may permit the center wheels 106 to bestatically fixed during the movement of the tillage implement 10 or tobe dynamically adjustable as the tillage implement 10 travels. Thepivoting wheels 108 are connected to the front outer ends of the mainframe 100. The pivoting wheels 108 may include at least two pivotingwheels that reduce the amount of lateral movement of tillage implement10 as it is pulled.

Vertical tillage section 12 includes a row of individual concave,sharpened and grooved disc blades 110 attached to the main frame 100. Inaccordance with one configuration, the row of concave disc blades 110includes a disc blade left row 112 and a disc blade right row 114. Inthe configuration shown in FIG. 1, the disc blade left row 112 issymmetric about a centerline 18 of the tillage implement 10 with thedisc blade right row 114. Disc blade left row 112 and disc blade rightrow 114 are substantially perpendicular to centerline 18, but can beprovided also at an angle. Perpendicular orientation to the direction oftravel reduces the power requirement for operation; however, in someinstances a slight angle of up to about five degrees from perpendicularcan be used without substantially increasing the power requirement.

The individual disc blades 110 of disc blade left row 112 and disc bladeright row 114 can be of types well known to those skilled in the art,such as fluted blades, serrated blades, smooth blades or the like. Insome preferred applications and uses, the individual blades of discblade left row 112 and disc blade right row 114 have substantially thinor sharpened edges so as to cut through and/or break up crop residuesuch as stalks, stems and large leaves, as well as clumps or clods ofroots and soil. Further, while disc blades 110 are shown for verticaltillage section 12, it should be understood that other types of tillagedevices can be used, such as cultivator shoes or the like.

Aerating section 14 includes a row of rotary tine assemblies 116attached to the mainframe 100. In accordance with one configuration, therow of rotary tine assemblies 116 includes a tine assembly left row 118and a tine assembly right row 120. In the configuration shown, the tineassembly left row 118 is symmetric about centerline 18 of the tillageimplement 10 with the tine assembly right row 120. Tine assembly leftrow 118 and tine assembly right row 120 are substantially perpendicularto centerline 18. The individual rotary tine assemblies 116 of rotarytine assembly left row 118 and rotary tine assembly right row 120 eachinclude a hub or body 122 and four individual tines 124 radiatingtherefrom in equally spaced arrangement. The individual tines 124 areconfigured to pierce the soil to open discrete holes therein, tofacilitate penetration of water, nutrients and air.

Vertical tillage section 12 and aerating section 14 can be indexed onewith the other such that the individual rotary tine assemblies 116 oftine assembly left row 118 operate in the spaces between adjacentindividual disc blades 110 of disc blade left row 112, and theindividual rotary tine assemblies 116 of tine assembly right row 120operate in the spaces between adjacent individual disc blades 110 ofdisc blade right row 114. Accordingly, elongated slits formed byindividual disc blades 110 alternate with rows of discrete holes formedby individual tines 124 in a tilling pass made by implement 10. Soilconditioning section 16 includes rolling basket assemblies 126 connectedto the rear end of the main frame 100, behind aerating section 14.Although three rolling basket assemblies 126 are shown in the exemplaryembodiment, two of which are shown having rotational axes collinear withone another but not collinear with the third rolling basket assembly126, the soil conditioning section 16 may include fewer or moreindividual rolling basket assemblies 126.

Rolling basket assemblies 126 are connected to the main frame 100 by asystem of beams 128 and arms 130 extending rearward from the main frame100 and downwardly to engage the rolling basket assemblies 126. Eachrolling basket assemblies 126 includes a frame 132 connected to arms 130and to the ends of a rolling basket 134. The rolling basket 134 isformed by a plurality of bars 136, which may be arranged helically, andwhich extend between end caps 138 and around a set of supportingframework rings 140. The end caps 138 engage a rotational coupling 142to allow the rolling baskets 134 of rolling basket assemblies 126 torotate.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a further embodiment is shown for atillage implement 150 suitable for injecting liquid manure in a field.Tillage implement 150 includes a main frame 152 carrying a verticaltillage section 154 having disc blades 156 carried in a disc blade leftrow 158 and a disc blade right row 160. Main frame 152 further carriesan aerating section 162 including rotary tine assemblies 164 carried ina rotary tine assembly left row 166 and a rotary tine assembly right row168. Disc blades 156 and rotary tine assemblies 164 are similar to thedisc blades 110 and rotary tine assemblies 116 described previouslyherein. Vertical tillage section 154 and aerating section 162 arearranged similarly to vertical tillage section 12 and aerating section14 as described previously herein, that is, substantially perpendicularto the centerline of the implement. However, it should be understoodthat the disc blade rows 158, 160 and tine assembly rows 166, 168 can bearranged at angles of up to about five degrees from perpendicularwithout substantially increasing the power requirement for operation.

Tillage implement 150 further includes a ground deposit system 170 (FIG.5) configured for containing, distributing and depositing a component tobe added to the soil. In the embodiment shown, ground deposit system 170is adapted for injecting liquid manure onto the soil. Liquid manureground deposit system 170 includes a liquid manure supply 172, a liquidmanure distribution network 174 and liquid manure outlet 176 from whichthe liquid manure is broadcast onto the ground behind the rotary tineassemblies 164.

Liquid manure supply 172 can be a tank having a pressurized manure hose178 suitable for conducting liquid manure to distribution network 174.Liquid manner supply 172 as a tank can be carried on or connected totillage implement 150 for transporting volumes of liquid manure over afield during a tillage operation. Liquid manure supply 172 can be awheeled tank, cart or wagon carried in front of or behind implement 150.Alternatively, liquid manure supply 172 can be a liquid manure retentionpond, lagoon or stationary holding tank or other holding reservoir fromwhich liquid manure is pumped directly to implement 150 by way ofpressurized manure hose 178. While pressurized manure hose 178 is shownconnected to liquid manure distribution network 174 at the front ofimplement 150, it should be understood that the arrangement can bereversed, with pressurized manure hose 178 connected to liquid manuredistribution network 174 at or near the rear of implement 150, or atsome other position on implement 150.

Tillage implement 150 may further include a soil conditioning sectionsimilar to soil conditioning section 16 described previously herein, orsome such other suitable leveling or tilling arrangement. Alternatively,tillage implement 150 may be provided without a finishing section.

Liquid manure ground deposit system 170 as described above providesadvantageous features for promoting the rapid absorption of liquidmanure into the ground. Implement 150 opens both substantiallycontinuous slits formed by disc blades 156 and discrete holes formed byrotary tine assemblies 164. These ground surface openings promote thereception and retention of liquid manure while inhibiting runoff. Theslits and holes formed by disc blades 156 and rotary tine assemblies 164increase the surface area for absorption of liquid manure depositedthereon. By carrying liquid manure outlets 176 immediately behindaerating section 162, the liquid manure is received immediately afterthe ground openings are formed, before significant closure thereof. Aneffective, convenient implement is provided for the injection of liquidmanure into a field.

It should be understood that with other modifications, a ground depositsystem can be provided for depositing other components, includinggranular components such as seeds onto the ground. Referring now toFIGS. 6 and 7, a further embodiment is shown for a tillage implement 210suitable for distributing seeds, fertilizers, minerals and othergranular materials onto the ground. Accordingly, tillage implement 210may be particularly suitable for overseeding pastureland or for quicklyseeding a cover crop on a recently harvested field.

Tillage implement 210 includes a main frame 212 carrying a verticaltillage section 214 having disc blades 216 carried in a disc blade leftrow 218 and a disc blade right row 220. Main frame 212 further carriesan aerating section 222 including rotary tine assemblies 224 carried ina rotary tine assembly left row 226 and a rotary tine assembly right row228. Disc blades 216 and rotary tine assemblies 224 are similar to thedisc blades 110, 156 and rotary tine assemblies 116, 164 describedpreviously herein. The arrangement of tillage implement 210 is similarto that of tillage implement 150 in that the disc blade left row 218 anddisc blade right row 220 are substantially aligned with one another andperpendicular to the implement centerline. Tine assembly left row 226and tine assembly right row 228 are aligned similarly, generallyperpendicular to the implement centerline. However, it should beunderstood that the disc blade rows 218, 220 and the tine assembly rows226, 228 can be moderately angled as well, at angles up to about fivedegrees, without substantially increasing the power requirement foroperation.

Tillage implement 210 further includes a ground deposit system 230configured for containing, distributing and depositing a granularcomponent or components to be added to the soil, such as seeds,fertilizers, minerals and the like. In the embodiment shown, grounddeposit system 230 includes a granular component supply 232 a granularcomponent distribution network 234 and a granular component outlet 236from which the granular components are broadcast onto the ground behindthe rotary tine assemblies 224.

Granular component supply 232 includes a tank or reservoir 238 forcontaining the granular component, such as seed, fertilizer or othersoil conditioning agent. Tank or reservoir 238 can be carried on mainframe 212. Alternatively, tank or reservoir 238 can be a separatelywheeled component, such as a wagon or cart pulled by and/or connected totillage implement 210.

Granular component distribution network 234 includes a metering deviceor metering header 240 for controlling a metered flow of a granularcomponent to granular component outlets 236. As those skilled in the artwill readily understand, granular component supply 232, granularcomponent distribution network 234 and granular component outlet 236 caninclude known pneumatic seeder structures used for other purposes.

Tillage implement 210 may further include a soil conditioning section242 similar to soil conditioning section 16 described previously herein,or some such other suitable leveling, closing or tilling arrangement.Alternatively, tillage implement 210 may be provided without a finishingsection 242.

Granular component ground deposit system 230 as described above providesadvantageous features for many applications and uses. Implement 210opens both substantially continuous slits formed by disc blade 216 anddiscrete holes formed by rotary tine assemblies 224. These groundsurface openings promote the reception and retention of granularcomponents, including seeds. By carrying granular component outlets 236immediately behind aerating section 222 an effective and convenientseeding or other granular deposit operation is provided in a singleimplement also including vertical tillage and aerating. As a result,economic and effective tilling and seeding are provided.

While this invention has been described with respect to severalembodiments, the present invention can be further modified within thespirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An agricultural tillage implement, comprising: amain frame including a pull hitch extending in a travel direction overthe ground; a row of disc blades carried by said main frame and forminga vertical tillage assembly, the row of disc blades extending generallylaterally to the travel direction, a row of rotary tine assembliescarried by the main frame behind the row of disc blades and extendinggenerally laterally with respect to the travel direction, the row ofrotary tine assemblies including individual rotary tines positionedabout a hub of each of the plurality of rotary tine assemblies, eachrotary tine of each of the plurality of rotary tines assemblies formedto create a discrete, spaced-apart opening in the ground being tilled,each rotary tine of each of the plurality of rotary tine assembliesradially aligned relative to each other about the hub of each respectiverotary tine assembly, the plurality of rotary tine assemblies providingthe discrete, spaced-apart openings in the ground in the traveldirection as the agricultural implement moves in the travel direction;and a ground deposit system connected to the main frame and including asupply for a component to be deposited in the ground, a distributionnetwork connected to the supply for distributing the component withinthe agricultural tillage implement, and outlets from the distributionnetwork for expelling the component to the ground behind the row ofrotary tine assemblies.
 2. The agricultural tillage implement of claim1, wherein the supply includes a pressurized manure hose from a liquidmanure holding reservoir.
 3. The agricultural tillage implement of claim1, wherein the ground deposit system includes a granular componentmetering device.
 4. The agricultural tillage implement of claim 1,wherein at least two of the rotary tines in each rotary tine assemblyare positioned in an axial alignment relative to each other.